Countdown's Rachel Riley returns with baby daughter
Countdown star Rachel Riley introduced baby daughter Noa on the show yesterday (March 15) alongside her husband Pasha Kovalev.
Known as the face of the letters and numbers board since 2009 – replacing the legendary Carol Vorderman – Riley was asked by host Anne Robinson if she'd brought anyone with her before the day's game commenced.
"Would you like to meet my new friend?" she replied, before Pasha and their young baby joined her on stage.
Related: Countdown's Rachel Riley opens up about alleged feud with new presenter Anne Robinson
"This is Noa with her daddy Pasha," explained Rachel to the studio attendees, while former Strictly Come Dancing pro Pasha added: "She's never been here before, she's very interested in what's going on".
"She's heard the Countdown theme tune rather a few times in the womb, so she should be used to it by now," the mathematics whizz joked.
"We've got one that looks like her daddy, the first one [daughter Maven Aria], and this one's come out with blonde hair and blue eyes, and pale skin, so I've got one myself now!"
Related: Strictly Come Dancing's Pasha Kovalev speaks candidly about "protecting" Rachel Riley from trolls
This echoed the couple's TV introduction of Maven Aria back in 2020, with ex-Countdown host Nick Hewer laughing: "Isn't that lovely? She's absolutely adorable but now it's time for mum to do a bit of work!"
It was announced last year that Robinson would become the first woman to host the show following Hewer's departure as host.
Robinson recently played down rumours of a feud between her and Riley, complimenting her speed at the numbers board in particular.
"Every time I'm astonished how [Rachel] does that adding up and subtracting," she said. "[It takes] just seconds, absolutely seconds. Amazing."
Countdown continues on Channel 4 today (March 16) at 2.10pm.
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